The Potential and Challenges of Multifunctional 3D Printing

3D printing has historically been used to produce parts that primarily serve a structural function. However, the potential exists to 3D print blends of materials that serve mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical, magnetic, chemical or other functions. Despite the conceptual appeal of multifunctional 3D printing from an engineering design standpoint, blending polymers, metals, ceramics, and other materials within a part is not trivial. This talk will present methods for 3D printing and curing structures having materials with significantly different thermal processing temperatures. Selected demonstration applications will also be presented.